The 108-year-old kidney keeping woman alive

Sue Westhead (second left) joined staff at Sunderland Royal Hospital

A woman is celebrating more than 50 years of being free from kidney disease thanks to her 108-year-old transplant organ.

Sue Westhead, 75, from Houghton-le-Spring, received a kidney donation from her mother Ann Metcalf in 1973.

She joined fellow transplant recipient Robert Hughes, from County Durham, at Sunderland Royal Hospital to mark the 50th anniversary of his operation.

They joined staff to call for people to make their organ donation wishes clear to loved ones.

Mrs Westhead first began to feel unwell when she was about 12 years old and needed dialysis by the age of 25.

When she received the transplant from her mother she thought she would be "extremely lucky" if she lived for another five years.

Sue Westhead's mother, Ann Metcalfe

She said: "I got 50 years, thanks to our wonderful NHS, my mother and her genes.

"I know my mother would have been totally amazed that her kidney gave me life for so long after her death.

"When I say I carry a little piece of her around with me always, I mean it."

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) held a celebration for Mrs Westhead and Mr Hughes.

He underwent his operation on 18 January 1974, when his late brother John was found to be a match.

Mr Hughes grew up in South West London and had just gained his licence as a jump jockey when he became unwell.

(L-R) Robert Hughes with his wife Christine and his brother John on the couple's wedding day

The surgery took place at St Thomas' Hospital in London, but at the time the brothers were warned the procedure was still risky.

Mr Hughes said: "I remember in the corridor, I was going into one theatre and he was going into the other. I shook his hand and we had a bit of brotherly banter.

"After the transplant, I remember they gave me half a pint of Guinness to help get some iron in me and to see if it worked."

'Remarkable milestone'

The 75-year-old asked for his regular check-up to be scheduled for the 50th anniversary of his operation.

After his appointment with Consultant Nephrologist James Andrews, STSFT's renal unit team hosted a celebration.

Dr Andrews said: "It’s a remarkable milestone and as a department we were grateful for the chance to acknowledge the treatment which has made a difference to his life and the gift his own brother gave.

"I hope both Robert, Sue and their families enjoyed their day of celebrations. It was our privilege to host a special event for them."

Mrs Westhead said: "If your loved ones are thinking of donating, if the circumstances are right, do it."

The message was backed by Dr Rachel Davison, who added: "Have those conversations with your loved ones about your wishes when you time comes, in case you can save other people’s lives."